Beatles, iTunes Reportedly Come Together

No official word from either Apple camp as press reports about the Beatles releasing their music through iTunes circulate periodically over the past couple of years.

British newspapers have once again reported that the Beatles' music catalogue is about to be released through iTunes, but there has been no official word recently to support the latest claim.

Reports from the U.K.'s Daily Mail, Telegraph, and Independent cite unnamed sources. Other press reports rehash statements from Paul McCartney last fall and claim that this could be the month, or year that one of the most prolific and successful rock bands of all time would release their music through the second most popular music retailer. Even older statements from widows of deceased band members have also surfaced.

However, a search of the Beatles' official Web site, Apple's Web site, and McCartney's Web site failed to yield any recent comments to that effect. It seems likely that such a deal would be considered major news and spawn a noticeable marketing effort. ITunes, which research firm NPD Group's MusicWatch survey ranks as the most popular online music store, also had no information or promotions reflecting a deal.

An Apple spokesperson said the company doesn't comment on rumors and speculation. Press representatives for the Beatles in London deferred calls a U.S. public relations firm in New York, where representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Some news outlets have printed that iTunes and representatives for the Beatles have denied the validity of the reports.

Rumors and press reports about the Beatles releasing their music through iTunes have circulated periodically over the past couple of years, as the band's parent company, Apple Corps Ltd. and Apple the computer company engaged in and settled a trademark dispute.

For now, it looks like fans seeking the Fab Four's catalogue through the second largest music retailer in the United States are still limited to the solo catalogues of all four Beatles' members, which EMI released via iTunes last year.

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